GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - The Graaff-Reinet Cancer Association is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Over the past half-century a lot of things have changed, but unfortunately, when it comes to cancer, many elements have remained unchanged.
The shock of a medical test revealing malignancy, the upheaval experienced by immediate family and friends, the financial implications of treatment, the repercussions of chemotherapy and radiation, as well as the patients' apprehension and uncertainties about the future - all of these echo the same sentiments today as they did in 1973 when the concept of a local Cancer Association was first conceived.
In that year, during a gathering of the Nieu Bethesda Women's Association, Tweet de la Harpe proposed the notion of establishing a clinic for the early detection of cancer in women in Graaff-Reinet. Her motivation was ignited by a guest speaker at the event.
De la Harpe took the reins single-handedly for over a year, and then, with the assistance of Dr Audrey Miller and nursing sisters Joy Clegg and Ann Kingwill, a clinic was set up at the Midland Hospital to carry out pap smear tests and breast examinations. Recognising the need for a broader committee, the inaugural meeting of the Graaff-Reinet Liaison Committee of the East Cape Cancer Association was convened in 1975.
Elected members from various local groups formed the first committee, including Eileen Taylor-Freeme, Lena Bosch, Molly van Heerden, Margaret Williams, Marita Blignaut, and Tweet de la Harpe.
Twenty-three years later, during the 1988 Annual General Meeting, the local committee opted to break away from the National Cancer Association and function independently.
Following extensive correspondence with the Port Elizabeth Regional Office and a protracted waiting period, the local association received approval to establish the Graaff-Reinet Cancer Association.
This exhilarating news marked the onset of a new era, established upon the robust foundation of the past, with Claire Brodie shepherding the process as Chairperson.
Today, even after 50 years, the association remains constituted by volunteers who have a straightforward objective: to effect a positive change in the lives of cancer patients and their loved ones.
Should anyone require assistance subsequent to a recent diagnosis or seek help for a family member or friend, they can reach out to Hannatjie at 049 872 3653 or Margie at 082 447 7637.
Individuals interested in joining the association to contribute to fundraising, education, or cooking are wholeheartedly welcomed to participate.
From left are: Liz Savage, Tweet de la Harpe en Christa Larson.
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